(left) Nathaniel Bennett, of Oxford, looks at items given to him from Oxford Police Chief Michael Neymanowski stemming from a domestic dispute, in which Officer Todd Barraco said he wanted $500 to settle, pictured Wednesday April 10, 2013. (Oakland Press Photo:Vaughn Gurganian)

(left) Nathaniel Bennett, of Oxford, talks with Oxford Police Officer Todd Barraco about some paper work stemming from a domestic dispute, in which Officer Todd Barraco said he wanted $500 to settle, pictured Wednesday April 10, 2013. Barraco apoligized for the comment that Bennett took offense with. (Oakland Press Photo:Vaughn Gurganian)

Oxford police officer Todd Baracco -- a school administrator and football coach -- says his motto for his students and players has always been: "Own up to your mistakes."

Barraco, who recently was suspended for telling a caller he had to pay $500 in exchange for police help, practiced his mantra on Wednesday.

Regardless of what was said when Nathaniel Bennett, 29, called the Oxford Village Police Department Sunday afternoon, "I shouldn't have said what I said," Barraco told Bennett at a meeting at the department Wednesday.

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In the days before the two shook hands and put the incident behind them, feelings of stress -- and anger -- were felt by both parties.

Watch a report on the Oxford officer requesting $500 during today's News at Noon.

The initial call came through around 3:30 p.m. Sunday, when Bennett called the department for help retrieving property from his ex-girlfriend's home.

There was some tension in the aftermath of a breakup, said Police Chief Mike Neymanowski, and Bennett didn't want a dispute.

"It was a legitimate request," Neymanowski added. "As police officers, we have to keep the peace ... be referees at times."

The chief said he listened to a recording of the call. When Bennett was transferred to Officer Baracco, he once again explained his plight.

Bennett told the officer that he wanted a few dress shirts, a dinner plate, an extension cord and other items back from his ex, but that she had previously told him he was not allowed at her home and she would call the police if he showed up.

He was also bombarded by calls and text messages from the woman, seemingly contradicting her request to not be in contact with Bennett.

Oxford's Barraco -- also dean of students at Venture High School in Imlay City, and defensive coordinator for Lapeer West High School's football team -- said he had spoken with Bennett about his problem several times the previous week and wanted to get him off the phone.

"I was handling another case at the time, and was putting all my efforts into that case," said Barraco. "He caught me at an emotional moment ... I made a statement I regret."

According to the pair, Barraco then told Bennett: "$500 is my fee" for coming to his girlfriend's home. Bennett claimed extortion and went to the media with his case -- he had made a recording on his smart phone -- when the officer wouldn't recant.

Bennett was surprised when FOX 2 picked up the story, he said. Soon, both men were getting calls nonstop.

After their discussion Wednesday, the two agreed that emotions were high for both of them, and that, really, "it wasn't what it was made out to be on TV," said Barraco.

A part-time officer going on his fourth year at the department, Barraco is currently suspended while the incident remains open. Investigators will give the case to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office for review, but Chief Neymanowski said, "I firmly believe that the officer's intention was not to take $500."

Nevertheless, policy was broken, he added, and Barraco was ordered verbal counseling in the past for an incident involving being overaggressive with a resident.

"He's a good officer," said Neymanowksi, "and he's very apologetic."

Bennett -- who a search on the Offender Tracking Information System revealed has been convicted of arson and breaking and entering a car -- got his items back Wednesday at the meeting with the officer. He accepted Barraco's apology.

His ex-girlfriend was also served a personal protection order that afternoon -- by the Oxford police chief.